[Updated 10/05/2026] The last time we visited ‘Another Place’ by Antony Gormley, it was overcast, grey, and miserable. My girlfriend had just got off a flight from Asia. We were standing looking at weather-beaten statues and she was wondering if this was a jetlagged fever dream. One problem with planning a day trip in the North West of England is the unpredictability of the weather. This time, the photos look more pleasant and more like a place you could imagine recommending.
“Who are these eerie fellows?”, I hear you ask. These guys are part of a 100-strong group of cast-iron statues that stare out into the Irish Sea. They dare the cursed waters to submerge them again and again. These guys don’t mind whatever the weather is; they brave the British weather, rain, or shine. Unlike this author, who is definitely in favour of the ‘shine’ option.
The Irish Sea obliges as it rises and dunks them until only the furthest up the shore remain. Even those succumb to the sea’s advances at high tides. This did not put off the intrepid castle-building kids below!
It sounds like a cop-out to say ‘you really have to be there’ to get an impression of this. One hunded of these 650-pound (295kg) statues are spread over a three-kilometre section of beach. Capturing them in a single photo is impossible.
Man vs. The Irish Sea
We went on a beautiful, bright, spring day and the wind coming off the Irish Sea felt like it was indignant that we were actually there. It was swirling and changing directions as if to say ‘get back in your car, you part-timers’. My girlfriend decided that she would be okay with just a jumper, while I followed behind carrying her hoodie. I was kitted out in a thick winter hoodie and a woolly hat (my car boot looks like a winter wardrobe). As we left the car park towards the beach, a fierce wind came rolling in off the sea. She turned, grimacing, and was very quickly grateful I brought her hoodie (definite brownie points for that foresight)!
Crosby Beach is rarely still and wind-free, but that doesn’t stop the people of Merseyside larping as if they were in the Bahamas. Picnic blankets are out, people are throwing frisbees, and frolicking like they aren’t in a wind tunnel between two cold and windy countries. Each to their own I suppose!
If you plan a tight itinerary for days out in the North West, be prepared to adapt accordingly. If you are travelling by car, make sure to take warm clothes on even the sunniest days. Also make sure umbrellas are on hand to prevent your trip becoming a washout.
It really is worth a look. If the statues don’t do it for you, Crosby beach is excellent for blowing away cobwebs and waking yourself up! Even if you have just got off a plane from half-way around the world.
Crosby Beach is a short drive from Formby Beach and Ainsdale Beach, if you want a beach-tastic day out!
Find out about parking and accessibility.
Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’, Mariners Road, Crosby Beach, Liverpool, Merseyside L23 6SX
